Prepare for the 2025 Breeders' Cup as Ireland showcases a formidable lineup of 18 elite horses vying for victory.
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As anticipation grows for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, California, eighteen horses trained in Ireland are set to compete in this prestigious event. The races are planned for Friday and Saturday, and the Irish contingent aims to deliver strong performances on the track.
At the forefront is acclaimed trainer Aidan O’Brien, who has assembled an impressive team from Ballydoyle. Recently recognized as the champion flat trainer in Britain and on the verge of claiming his 28th championship title in Ireland, O’Brien’s presence is significant as he readies for six Grade 1 races throughout the weekend.
Aidan O’Brien’s star runners
Among the standout contenders from Ballydoyle are several horses expected to perform exceptionally well. True Love, a promising entrant in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, along with Precise in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and Gstaad competing in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, are all anticipated to contend for top honors.
Gstaad will not be alone in his Grade 1 race, as he will be joined by his stablemates Mission Central and Brussels. Trainer Aidan O’Brien is eager to add to his impressive tally of 25 Group 1 victories for the season, aiming for a world record of 28 wins set back in 2017.
Challenges in the lineup
The recent draw may present challenges for some of O’Brien’s horses. Both Precise and Gstaad have experienced a shift in their odds, indicating uncertainty regarding their performances in the upcoming races. The Breeders’ Cup Turf will showcase Minnie Hauk, who recently finished as the runner-up in the esteemed Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp. Rather than competing in the Filly and Mare Turf, she will tackle this significant challenge.
In the Filly and Mare Turf, the Coolmore partnership will present Bedtime Story, while The Lion In Winter, previously a favorite for the 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby, will pursue victory in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Runners from other Irish trainers
Aidan O’Brien’s sons, Joseph and Donnacha, will showcase their skills at Del Mar this weekend. Joseph, a former Breeders’ Cup-winning jockey, will saddle Queen of Hawaii in the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf and North Coast in the Juvenile Turf on Friday. Donnacha will bring three contenders: Havana Anna (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint), Balantina (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf), and Atsila (Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf).
Additionally, renowned jumps trainer Willie Mullins has traveled to California with his champion horse Ethical Diamond, who is set to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
Emerging talents from Ireland
Trainer Adrian Murray from County Westmeath will present two contestants in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on the final day of racing: Arizona Blaze and Bucanero Fuerte, both representing Amo Racing silks. Trainer Jack Davison from Meath will also have a runner, She’s Quality, competing in the same race.
Moreover, Adrian Murray’s Valiant Force is entered in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Currently, he holds the position of first reserve, indicating hope that a spot will open for him to race.
Event coverage details
Fans eager to watch the Breeders’ Cup can tune in on Virgin Media Two, with coverage starting at 8 PM on Friday and resuming on Saturday at 8:30 PM. Comprehensive coverage will also be available through At The Races and Sky Sports Racing, ensuring viewers do not miss any thrilling action.
This year’s Breeders’ Cup is poised to showcase exceptional equine talent, featuring a notable Irish presence. The competition at Del Mar is expected to be intense, as each horse vies for victory.
